Erectile dysfunction: who does it effect?

Many men are shocked when they begin to experience erectile dysfunction (ED). A condition in which a man cannot get an erection or keep an erection sufficient for sex on multiple occasions over a period of time, ED can be a source of embarrassment and stress for many men who experience it. Along with the stereotype that erectile dysfunction only happens to elderly men, these factors can cause relationship difficulties and prevent some from seeking treatment.

But, how common is ED? Moreso than many believe. Though prevalence varies based on co-occurring health conditions, age, and other factors, studies show that erectile dysfunction can affect more than 50% of men.

In the past, erectile dysfunction was considered by many to be a personal flaw, but in recent years doctors and researchers have come to realize how common – and how treatable – ED can be. Medications like Kamagra 100mg (sildenafil), vacuum penis pumps, and sex therapy can all improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

Many factors affect the rate of erectile dysfunction within a group of men: race, age, and other health problems are the most common.

Race

Though any man could develop erectile dysfunction, a 2007 study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found some variation in rates of erectile dysfunction based on race. The results showed that 21.9% of white men surveyed reported symptoms of ED, while 24.4% of black men and 19.9% of hispanic men reported the same; the study did not include men of other races. Health disparities between different racial groups may also impact rates of erectile dysfunction.

Age

While it is true that erectile dysfunction is more common in older men, a study completed at University Vita-Salute San Raffaele in Milan, Italy found that up to 1 in 4 men seeking treatment for ED are under the age of 40, and that most men in this age group who have ED experience severe symptoms.

Old age in itself does not cause erectile dysfunction, but the older a man gets, the more likely he is to experience the condition. Clinical studies have shown that while the rate of ED among 40 year old men is around 40%, it increases significantly to about 70% in 70 year old men. Erectile dysfunction frequently follows other signs of poor health that are common in older people.

Other health conditions

Erectile dysfunction is a common result of several medical conditions; in fact, erectile dysfunction can affect as many as half of men who have other health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. Factors that affect the body’s overall health like smoking, problems with drug and alcohol abuse, and mental health issues like depression can all contribute to ED as well.

Injuries can also contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction. The Boston University School of Medicine reports that recent analysis shows that many men seeking treatment for ED, particularly younger men, experience the condition as a result of an injury or invasive surgical procedure that damaged the nerves and blood vessels that cause an erection. Specifically, both fractures of the pelvis and bicycle accidents seem to frequently result in erectile dysfunction in men who are not otherwise at risk for it.